Tuesday, January 22, 2019

MUFON Grievances Lead to Continuing Accountability Issues

A five-page pdf containing grievances about the Mutual UFO Network and titled, MUFON: The Inside Truth, was posted online. The document is dated Jan 17, 2019, and signed by Phil Leech, who identified himself as holding the title of Director Case Review Team, among other MUFON positions.The document contains allegations of events ranging from background checks conducted on witnesses who filed UFO reports to circumstances surrounding an alleged "implant," reportedly removed from an individual and under analysis, possibly involving AATIP and/or TTSA personnel. Additional areas of concern expressed by Leech include circumstances surrounding Pennsylvania MUFON; mismanagement of MUFON media; misuse of the organization by a small minority of people for their personal benefit; and the lack of scientific integrity within an organization claiming dedication to scientific study, among other grievances.The Leech document may be viewed in its entirety at the link above or at the end of this post, where it is embedded. Email statements obtained from individuals, while in some circumstances used in part, may be viewed in their entirety at the end of this post. The time and attention invested by all parties in their comments are appreciated. MUFON Executive Director Jan Harzan did not respond to an email offering him an opportunity to comment for this post.There's a lot to unpack. Let's get started.

Background ChecksI spoke with Phil Leech by telephone Jan. 19. He confirmed that he indeed composed MUFON: The Inside Truth and posted it online.In the document, Leech wrote, "I have found that some Investigators are having extensive background checks run on witnesses when they submit a report. Some of these background checks are more than typical."He continued that, during what he termed random case checks, he found several with comments surrounding the findings, which included criminal backgrounds. In another instance, Leech asserted a report included a comprehensive list of medications used by a witness, along with potential side effects. He added that he expressed concerns to Executive Director Jan Harzan and Director of Investigations Chase Kloetzke, but did not feel the circumstances were given adequate consideration. During our Jan. 19 conversation by phone, Leech stated his career in public service includes his work as a training officer for 911 dispatch, anti-terrorism training, a fireman for 15 years, and employment with the coroner's office, among other positions held. He believes this qualifies him more than the average volunteer Field Investigator to deal with people and situations which may arise. Leech stated he leads a four-man team for MUFON which assesses overall value of cases. "I have a very good team," he explained. "We review cases and follow the process through to the end."Leech eventually found evidence of the background checks on witnesses. He expressed concerns about how the background reports were obtained and funded. It is unclear if witnesses were informed of or knowingly submitted to the process."What if you're not 100 percent sure you've got the right individual?" Leech encouraged me to consider.I asked if a lot of people have access to the files."Oh, yeah," he replied. "FI [Field Investigator] is the lowest level and it goes up from there. Chief FIs have pretty wide access, on up the chain of the organization.""They're not secure," he explained in principle about the case files. "You can print it off at home."MUFON Director of Investigations Chase Kloetzke welcomed an opportunity to provide comments on the Leech document. She disputes most of Leech's claims, stating in a Jan. 19 email that the "accusations and comments are riddled with bad facts and information that is just NOT true," but did acknowledge background checks were conducted on some witnesses.Concerning background checks in particular, Kloetzke wrote:

Background
checks: While Leech was crawling through CMS [Case Management System] looking for cases that
are not completed correctly or he disagrees with the dispositions, he
found two cases that had background checks involved in the FI notes.
These notes are not available to the public, and others within MUFON
outside of that state also cannot see these. MUFON investigators are
not instructed to do that and it has stopped.

The medication list he found was offered by the witness. Although we do
not ask for a medication list, investigators often hear very personal
and confidential information about people. This is always a serious
concern for privacy. This is why one of the most valuable attributes
is LOYALTY to one's word and the ability to not reveal or break
confidence.

CMS
personal information is NOT shared...ever, and when we find those that
do not exhibit the ethical behavior of confidential information, we
NO longer need to put them in the way of witnesses or other valuable
members.

Jan Harzan

Jan. 19 I asked Leech if he experienced any backlash from publishing the document. He said he received a Jan. 18 email from Harzan, who advised Leech he was moved to FI status, pending a phone call from Harzan in which the circumstances would apparently be discussed more thoroughly.Leech added that he received a lot of moral support from fellow MUFON personnel. He said some 14 or so people contacted him thus far, agreeing with his concerns and expressing gratitude that he posted his complaints."What I said was true," Leech asserted. "There was nothing in there that I made up."I explained to Leech my interest includes purposes of background checks. Elaborating further, I told him I was aware over the years of reports of case files missing from the MUFON system, along with security concerns expressed in certain circles. Other questions have surrounded the seeming layers of security within MUFON itself, such as the current Special Assignment Team (SAT) and the STAR Team of years past, a venture Leech says is now dormant and exists in name only. I asked if he thought any of that seemed particularly relevant or related."There is some truth to that about disappearing cases," he explained, clarifying cases may be removed for quite legitimate reasons such as containing profanity, for instance. I asked Leech what he thinks the point is for running background checks on witnesses. He replied, "I can't see what the point is other than they're able to do it and utilize it for their investigations. I think the question is why are they allowed to do it."

I'd
like to address one more issue, please, the extent of MUFON
interactions with intelligence agencies. I'll preface it with some
context for your consideration.

In
2011, former MUFON International Director James Carrion asserted
Robert Bigelow was not the donor of funds to MUFON for collaborating
with Bigelow's BAASS as claimed, but was in fact transferring money
on behalf of an undisclosed sponsor revealed only to John
Schuessler, but not the rest of the MUFON Board of Directors.
In hindsight, and given what we now know about Bigelow's involvement
with the Defense Intelligence Agency-funded AATIP during the time in
question, it seems understandable concerns would arise about
transparency, motives and operating procedures within a 501(c)(3)
public charity such as MUFON.

Similarly,
concerns have been expressed over the years of the potential for
foreign adversaries to exploit the MUFON case and reporting system
for various purposes, including using the public platform as a
potential means to monitor the evolution of classified aircraft
reported as UFOs in the vicinity of U.S. military bases. Similar
concerns have been expressed about secrecy and a lack of
transparency surrounding cases removed from the MUFON system. Given
the various levels of seeming security clearance within MUFON
itself, i.e., the SAT, the STAR Team of years past, background
checks on witnesses and so on, there doesn't seem to be a lot of
wiggle room between either a substantial amount of reason for such
security is not being disclosed or reasons for the security are
unfounded. At the least, there seems to be a lot of unanswered
questions about MUFON leadership, objectives, and measurable
results.

You're
encouraged to address the above in whatever ways you choose, but
would you please directly comment on the extent of MUFON
collaboration with intelligence agencies and/or their personnel?

The cases missing from CMS. There is a triage system that removes reports that are:

1. Non-reports. Example: I saw a nun in space

2. Attachments contain other websites for publicity

3. Profanity

4. Duplicate report

5. User abuse

There is a discussion to no longer remove these reports from public view. Also, reports are never really deleted or missing, they are however sometimes separated from view to be read and approved by a CMS Administrator. They are archived if found to meet the above requirement.

The State Directors know their cases and it's easy for them to follow, they're sequential. If MUFON wanted to hide that cases were disappearing, they could be assigned random case numbers. Easy! But this sequential numbering IS one of our safe guards and a security.

On intelligence agencies, Kloetzke wrote:

I
am aware that Bigelow did in fact enter into a deal with MUFON to
collaborate on data and in some cases, UFO reports. The witnesses
were contacted and had given permission for what was then the new
Star Team to conduct an investigation. Bigelow's investigators would sometimes be there as well. I am not aware of any more actions
with them in any way since 2012.I
am not aware of any MUFON actions or talks with intelligence
agencies. This rumor is as old as MUFON. As MUFON is a volunteer
organization based and mostly funded by membership, it is open.
There is only one reason I can think of why an intel agency would
enter the ranks of MUFON and that would be to spread misinformation
and cause the kind of suspicion, drama and chaos from within.

[...]

As
far as I know, NO witness has been compromised or "outed".
CMS permissions are highly guarded for this reason. With 500-900
reports a month and MUFON experiencing our 50th anniversary this
year, that's pretty remarkable protection.

Intel or government agencies have admitted using our reports from the
outside as Lue Elizondo openly stated at the last MUFON Symposium. He
said they (government/AATIP) kept track of reports. This was one of
the resources used to get the funding for AATIP. Of course, none of
us knew this. Lue was not and is not now a member of MUFON. Anyone can
see reports minus witness information on the website. The government
doesn't have to infiltrate.

I
am not aware at all of MUFON working with any government/intel agency. I am not aware that MUFON is talking with any
government/intel agency.

The
Bigelow contract was indeed part of the funding by Congress as
Bigelow was granted the contract, however, I am not aware of anyone
knowing this at the time. We just had a funded Star Team. To this
day, I believe this was a good program but was under the wrong
leadership.

I replied:

Thanks
again for your comments. I appreciate your willingness to explain
your thoughts and position....I'd like to take a moment to express what I interpret
the position of some of the critics to be on a couple of issues.
Thanks in advance for reading.If
the DIA (AATIP) was providing funds to Bigelow which included money
allocated to MUFON for the MUFON-BAASS venture, and Schuessler was
made aware of the funding source as Carrion expressed, etc., as
certainly appears to be the case at this point in time, some might
think it a matter of semantics and a bit evasive to suggest there
have been no collaborations with intelligence agencies. It seems
reasonable for researchers to question the number and extent of any
other such arrangements which may have been created and avoided
public scrutiny, or, as implied and perhaps most importantly of all,
the transparency of the org seems legitimately called into question.
There are of course consequences for that.In
the event you are unaware of or interested in documentation of past
transparency and ethics concerns within MUFON, you might choose to
browse my blog posts on such instances as the Carpenter
Affair and
the AMP.
Be advised, however, they are longish reads and I am not requesting
your comment on the events. I offer them for your consideration as
to why some might feel MUFON is in a position that a great deal of
transparency is in order due to past discrepancies with some of the
very individuals central to the more recent AATIP story lines. That
stated, I fully concede the situations are events of the past and
only influence the present in the manners the org might be expected
to respond to and account for public concerns.Once
again, thank you for your time and attention invested in my
questions.

Later Jan. 21, Kloetzke chose to further explain her position. She wrote:

I do acknowledge concerning events in the past that were finally tracked to three individuals that are no longer with MUFON. This was settled in 2012. I have heard the rumors since and now that I am in a position since returning to MUFON after a (roughly) four year absence, do have an inside view of all operations. I am not aware of any infiltration or government/intel personnel in our ranks with access to CMS or in any other department.

I will very publicly look into any one with reasonable concerns and my best contact is: chasekloetzke@yahoo.com for those that prefer a private contact or DOI@mufon.com. This would indeed have my full attention.

It was quite a shock when the AATIP story broke. I was stunned but very excited. But as with all Ufologists, pieces of this timeline started coming together. Bigelow on 60 minutes is one example. Surely he knew this was pending and this may have added to the unapologetic confirmation in his unyielding belief in this phenomena. I was the first to conduct an interview with Lue as we both live in DC. (He has recently moved to Ca). I asked pretty blunt questions and I felt that he answered truthfully. However, I never forget that he is very good at his job and he did have ONE tour in intelligence. I believe his experience in the intelligence community is outside of his military career and after his retirement. His job with AATIP was as a defense contractor. He is a supporter of MUFON as in, he believes in what we do. But he has no membership or involvement.

[...]

The "good Old Days" of Carrion and Lange! I actually continue to be very interested in the truthful details of that time. I can only offer rumors which I do not give. I was a Field Investigator that barely heard from my State Director at that time. But I am VERY interested in any facts that can surface. It's a part of history IF for no other reason! John Schuessler and many of our "Originals" are stepping back. I have talked to Jan and others of where his records would be stored. This is becoming a serious issue that all investigators with files and in some cases, evidence, as I do, should make written arrangements for where they would like their work to rest. But as the MUFON/Bigelow connection goes, I have very little to add. My exposure was one year later when I was asked to be the new Star Team Manager.

I do not pretend or expect people to believe MUFON doesn't own a couple of self inflicted wounds, I just haven't witnessed or been told the kind of actions that were falsely stated by the letter in question, since my first departure.

I am a fan of your blogs Jack and see them featured often on UFO Chronicles. I am a fan! Sincerely! Scrutiny keeps us honest! I have never shied away from questions about MUFON. What I will affirm is:

I have the fullest confidence in the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and all Senior staff. My greatest pride in MUFON is the dedication and hard work of SO many thousands in the organization and this starts directly with our State Directors to our Field Investigators. There are simply too many of us to not notice or report unethical or suspicious behavior in our MUFON community.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I do not mind at all. I admire those that still do right by those accused! (Falsely Accused!) You have my gratitude!

The ImplantIn the five-page pdf, MUFON: The Inside Truth, Phil Leech asserted he was told by Kloetzke that the MUFON Special Assignment Team investigated a case in which the witness had a possible implant. Leech continued:

The implant was removed. MUFON had possession of the implant for study. This is where it gets strange. After all the work involved the implant was given to A.A.T.I.P. for examination. Never to be seen again according to Chase. Chase clearly stated her disgust with how this decision was made and the loss of potential evidence. I am somewhat taken back as to how Chase would let this happen with her background in evidence collection and chain of custody training. To state the obvious, why on earth would MUFON decide to give evidence away with even a remote chance it would not be returned.

MUFON staple and
co-founder John Schuessler

Hoping to learn more details surrounding this event, such as exactly how the alleged implant was reportedly removed, and, if by medical professionals, how it was funded, I asked Leech to please describe his understanding of the chain of events. He replied that he did not know specifics and that he was informed of the circumstances by Kloetzke."The implant was given to AATIP, aka TTSA [To The Stars Academy], which are the same thing," Leech said. "I don't know if (Kloetzke) was being truthful about being upset because she really looks up to these particular groups."Kloetzke suggested that she feels Leech selectively omits relevant context from some of his characterizations of past conversations and statements made by others. Some conversations were considered and expressed as confidential at the time, she added. As far as the implant allegations in particular, Kloetzke wrote Jan. 19:

The
IMPLANT. The ultimate violation of confidentiality! The worst action
one can perform in this field as NOW...who will trust you?

This implant is a case out of Oklahoma. The witness remains confidential
and the case sits in the Special Assignment Team because of the
witness request. He is Army Retired. I will not discuss any details
about this as I am under obligation of honor. However, the implant
has maintained the providence and the chain of custody will pass
scrutiny. Nothing is hidden on this document and for Leech to
insinuate anything else is offensive coming from someone that does
NOT have all the details in this case as he is not a SAT
investigator.

She added Jan. 21:

The artifact that is still under review and confidential as per the witness' request that was named also contains very false facts. Thank goodness since this would be a direct violation of ethics and an integrity concern at the least! The artifact was picked up by A.D.A.M. This is a TV show that is also under a non-disclosure agreement. The artifact did go to a lab but it was quickly learned that the lab would not be able to analyze further. This was the "INTERNAL" rub at MUFON. Now, we had to find another lab. And we did. It was also not in the fake lab in Pa. [A reference to yet another issue contained in the Leech doc]

To make sure I was understanding clearly, I asked Kloetzke if she would clarify if she was confirming or denying the artifact/alleged implant was turned over to AATIP and/or TTSA. She replied:

No. It was never turned over to TTSA or AATIP but it was Lue Elizondo with the production company from A&E that picked it up for transport. The ownership and analysis remained in the name of MUFON, in fact A.D.A.M. TTSA nor AATIP know nothing of the details of the implant and are NOT briefed on any results. The results and full report will be released by the original lead investigators in Oklahoma and the Special Assignment Team.

In 2017-2018, SAT was responsible for 8 of the 12 investigation covers of the MUFON Journal.

Ufotainment AllegationsLeech's complaints cover circumstances surrounding MUFON involvement with television media (the latter of which apparently includes Luis Elizondo these days, according to Kloetzke's statement above and for whatever reasons. To the best of my knowledge, Tom DeLonge and Elizondo continue to not respond to multiple interview invitations submitted by the FOIA-knowledgeable John Greenewald, Jr. of The Black Vault.). MUFON cases will be featured with select personnel included in productions reportedly to be funded by cable channels and well known media outlets, Leech asserts, and he is concerned the involved individuals will profit from the ventures as compared to the organization as a whole. "This is a nonprofit organization with a select few taking advantage of others," Leech wrote. "If this is not true, SHOW the contracts and who gets what."Leech's concerns about a select few profiting from the volunteer work of the many are directed at individuals which include MUFON Director of Communications Roger Marsh. Offered an opportunity to comment, Marsh replied in a Jan. 19 email, "Tough to comment on something like that. Mr. Leech is basically a nice guy and a hard worker - we worked together last year on the Cases of Interest project and he was a brilliant contributor. He is making accusations without complete pictures, I guess."

Leech suggested he has reason to believe the case representations will be sensationalized, as has been the circumstance in the past, further harming what he feels to be MUFON's already damaged credibility. "There is no science in MUFON," Leech stated during our phone call, adding that the scientific aspect is much more for show than practice. He further stated he hopes MUFON leadership will take a hard look at how the org is run, step up and be more transparent."My
goal is not to destroy MUFON. A lot of good, talented people are in the organization. My
goal is to get good upper management and staff. I have nothing
against the entire organization, extremely dedicated people who mean well. This is not an attack on them but concerns
about the executive level. That is my concern. They
need to step up and start doing what they should be doing."

In the published pdf, Leech wrote:

The Scientific Way is not the truth with MUFON. In extremely rare cases there might be evidence that is examined, however I have never heard of these results being made public. Seems the truth is we use everything but Science, a lot of Math at best. A good example is I approached Mr. Harzan to discuss how best to utilize the Star Team and the importance of a fast notification should the event warrant it. Jan informed me he was not that concerned, as to date he has not seen anything much come out of a supposed landing, crash, or evidence from any event. This was concerning to me as I know many field investigators went out and purchased specific equipment as it states in the Field Investigators Manual. Some spending near or over a thousand dollars. Not to mention our mission, and beliefs.

I was first alerted to the Leech pdf by a contact who saw it linked from a social media page belonging to Christopher Cogswell, PhD, a former MUFON Director of Research who resigned in disappointment. I asked the doctor if he cared to comment on Mr. Leech's document, to which he responded in a Jan. 19 email:

Sure, Mr. Leech and I had these discussions of a similar nature while I was still at MUFON. Part of my growing concerns included questions of leadership, how best to use money to support local chapters, and how to perform investigations ethically and in a way that the information could be shared with the public. Although much of what he disclosed in his statement is news to me, it does not surprise me given the other questionable items I observed within MUFON. The organization at it's highest levels is very compartmentalized, so that ultimately only those at the very top know of everything going on. The fact that those within self made positions of power would misuse that power is also not surprising, given the fact that MUFON has continuously resisted efforts to democratize it's leadership at the highest levels.

One question I had when I resigned was how could those I considered allies stay with an organization clearly being led into the darkest corners of conspiracy thought and belief. Even if the extremist views of many in the group are not concerning to you academically there are simple pragmatic questions of successful leadership. A group with dwindling numbers of members needs to grow it's audience, not continue to shrink it with ridiculous speakers and fringe politics. The only reasoning I could think of, and it is born out in Mr. Leech's statement, is that the common denominator in all of this is money and an attempt at ufotainment fame.

Happy to discuss more if you would like.

PA MUFONProblems have been public for quite some time surrounding former Pennsylvania MUFON State Director John Ventre. Phil Leech now asserts that Ventre headed a corporation with a bank account using the MUFON name, the existence of which increased MUFON leadership levels of tolerance for Ventre's controversial public statements and activities. To try to unpack this, I began by checking the main MUFON website, which lists John Doucette as PA State Director and provides a link to a PA MUFON website. However, I also quickly located yet another PA MUFON web page on the site which identifies John Ventre, not Doucette, as State Director.I conducted a quick corporation search on the PA Department of State website. Easily located was a MUFON of Pennsylvania, LLC, established in 2008 and listed as active. Please note a Limited Liability Company is not a 501(c)(3) public charity, which may be relevant for many reasons.After contacting Ventre and asking if he cared to comment on Leech's pdf, Ventre replied in part in a Jan. 19 email, "I
turned the 501c3 over to Fred Saluga in 2017 and now John Doucette
from what I understand... MufonPa
donated to HQ 10% of conference proceeds per their guidelines for
using their name and I donated my own money the same as I did for
numerous other non-profits."I replied, "A question, please: What was the
purpose of incorporating a MUFON LLC in PA? That's of course not a
501(c)(3) organization. Would you please elaborate on that?""We
initially made it an LLC so we couldn’t get sued even though we
purchased insurance," Ventre wrote. "Later, a volunteer converted it to a 501c3. I
believe Pa requires 501c3’s to be LLC’s first."At that point I informed Ventre that a corporation search at PA Department of State website, using either the name or entity number assigned to the LLC, does not reveal a nonprofit, just the LLC. The same was the case searching MUFON, Mutual UFO Network and similar titles. No nonprofit org, only the LLC."The
501c3 # is 31954 and it is a federal designation not state," he responded. "Pa denied
us a sales tax waiver."I did not pursue the issue any further with John Ventre. During my phone call with Phil Leech, I addressed some of my concerns with PA MUFON accountability."MUFON wants each state to use their own tax ID number," Leech said.

Leech described his surprise when he was instructed not to contact international chapters of MUFON because leadership feared doing so might anger those operating the foreign groups. My understanding of Leech's statements was that he suspects MUFON financially profits from revenue generated through dues and merchandise sales, therefore he thinks leadership is much less concerned with the activities of any given chapter than their contributions.While that may very well be, I think other issues involve nonprofit management and compliance. There are some distinct differences between, for example, someone who cooks well, opens a restaurant, yet knows nothing about business management, and a group of people who get involved with running a nonprofit UFO research group because they are passionate about UFOs but don't know anything about public charity compliance. The former sinks or swims on private financing while a 501(c)(3) public charity is operated with at least a third of its revenue generated through public contributions. There are moral and legal issues of accountability.Understandably, certain financial guidelines and rules of transparency are inherent to the process. Many of my interactions throughout the years with MUFON personnel and leadership do not lead me to believe the organization has a solid understanding of the issues, or that it disseminates its responsibilities of public inquiries to those in need to know capacities throughout the org, which is pretty much anyone who might get asked about financial matters and operations. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty convinced MUFON leadership has a very poor understanding of the issues."Is there mismanagement?" Leech considered aloud. "Jan Harzan is one of the best front guys you'll ever find... But is he a manager? No, he is not."

-------------------------------------------Additional Comments

Statements submitted by Christopher Cogswell, PhD, Chase Kloetzke, Roger Marsh, and John Ventre are appreciated, as is Phil Leech's willingness to talk by phone. Comments which were submitted by email and not already quoted are posted below in full.The MUFON Director Case Review Team Phil Leech pdf embedded below may also be viewed at MUFON: The Inside Truth.

Unfortunately
Leech's accusations and comments are riddled with bad facts and
information that is just NOT true. Something you would not or should
not ever expect from an investigator. Bad facts, misleading
conclusions and what many have already recognized as "sour
grapes". My other observation is the glaring missing text that
Leech said during the very conversations he references. These are
always prefaced with "you can trust me, my integrity would not
let me betray a confidence".

The
"Facts" that Leech laid out that are not true are:

1.
Working closely in National? He has quit 3 times since I have
been DOI and has an accumulated barely 90 days in any position during
my time as DOI.

2.
There is NO MUFON funded Lab in Pa! It's a very strange rumor that he
is credited with.

3.
Background checks: While Leech was crawling through CMS looking for
cases that are not completed correctly or he disagrees with the
dispositions, he found two cases that had background checks involved in
the FI notes. These notes are not available to the public, and others
within MUFON outside of that state also cannot see these. MUFON
investigators are not instructed to do that and it has stopped.

The
Medication list he found, was offered by the witness. Although we do
not ask for a medication list, investigators often hear very personal
and confidential information about people. This is always a serious
concern for privacy, this is why one of the most valuable attributes
is LOYALTY to one's word and the ability to not reveal or break
confidence.

CMS
personal information is NOT shared...ever and when we find those that
do not exhibit the ethical behavior of confidential information, we
NO longer need to put them in the way of witnesses or other valuable
members.

4.
MUFON Media? I have never heard of this department or team in MUFON.
It does not exist.

5.
Paid positions? Yup....this has been a whispered discussion for
years. At least as long as I have been a member. This is where I feel
a betrayal has been uncovered. Leech was always calling and
discussing what everyone else was saying. He also had a hard spot for
the salaries and extra things some received. Some of us did as well.
These conversations were considered and express as confidential. He
used this to hurt the very people that he worked with and weaponized
things said between friends. Something he always encouraged. I will
apologize for my part in this discussion to the right person but know
that this was NOT a one way conversation. Where are his comments and
actions??? Strangely NOT included.

6.
The Special Assignment Team worked a case in Mexico recently with
unauthorized "Non-MUFON" members. Bad Information and
NOT TRUE!

SAT
was never told or informed to work that case. The investigator 30
miles away is NOT a SAT investigator but was monitoring the situation
in case we needed to get boots on the ground. The 3 Mexican UFO
investigators? 100% true. I often work closely with other groups such
as NICAP and other investigators. They were not working in
conjunction as MUFON but keeping me in the loop as a colleague. This
is I prefer to work! Together and playing well with others!

7.
The IMPLANT. The ultimate violation of confidentiality! The worse
action one can perform as this field as NOW...who will trust you?

This
Implant is a case out of Oklahoma. The witness remains confidential
and the case sits in the Special Assignment Team because of the
witness request. He is Army Retired. I will not discuss any details
about this as I am under obligation of honor. However, the implant
has maintained the providence and the chain of custody will pass
scrutiny. Nothing is hidden on this document and for Leech to
insinuate anything else is offensive coming from someone that does
NOT have all the details in this case as he is not a SAT
investigator.

8.
My "YES" people: Please feel free to talk with the MANY
people I do work closely with in MUFON. Phoenix MUFON, The team
editing the State Director's Handbook, the SAT investigators, CAG,
State Directors,....anyone. I'm very sure that my reputation will not
be nor is currently a dictator, control freak! Another elaborate
comment with no basis. It's HIS opinion!

9.
The "Strategic Review Team new Person"....This is difficult
to understand why Leech is so bothered by this team or it's new Lead.
100% this team is lead by a new member that is currently taking her
FI training. She is a former Naval Commander with a huge imprint in
the Pentagon. She has worked with the top officials in our Defense
Department. Yes, she has had some intelligence background. (ALL
military do these days at some degree). Her "JOB" is in
messaging and helping us get to the State Directors and FIs, talking
points about the latest trending information. She is also assist in
the creation of our congressional dossier. It's a MEDIA position and
there is NO tenure in MUFON. If a volunteer is asking to help and
brings something significant to the table, why would we pass and
place her or anyone else in the back? There is no shocking
"there/there". However, word the complaint just right and
it sounds like MUFON is being taken over by spies or 3 letter
agencies. Why would these agencies bother, they can get the
information....IT'S PUBLIC!

I
do not want to rant on and my response will NOT be 5 pages nor will I
ever address Leech's dis-information, fake facts and complaints
again. I know exactly what his beef is and I will not discuss this as
a professional.

It
seems the thing to do...go on Facebook, grandstand with a pointed
finger and convince yourself you're doing this all for the right
reasons! WRONG! This behavior hurts EVERYONE in MUFON. His betrayal
to confidential conversations is known to create an environment of
suspicion no one wants. I have said 100 times....WHY would I pay a
membership, volunteer 60-70 hours a week, spend way more money than I
should to have to walk on egg shells or watch my back! I won't do it.
When people break trust...what would anyone do?

You
bet I am trying to discourage the "Good Old Boy" mentality
as (it rarely exists anymore), we don't need it and it's a stumbling
block for those that are actually contributing!

Unfortunately,
Leech did not see the three fingers pointing back at him when he
decided to point that finger and post his complaints. (Maybe this is
the ultimate lesson to use the MUFON grievance instruction), instead
of publicly outing your own actions of fake facts and dishonest
conclusions. Beware of those that expose others but forget to tell
the whole story.

I
suspect that the next discussion on Facebook will be that "Chase
won't work with me"!!! How many would after betraying friends
(repeating constantly, "you can trust me"), outing very simple
drama outside of the organization you claim to keep in best
interests, or someone that launches accusations without fact
checking. THIS IS A DISCREDIT ATTEMPT plain and simple!

This
will be the last time I will be involved with this as most know, I
will not feed the beast. This drama can suck up major time and energy
and I don't have much of either. I am NOT engaging anymore but I am
so completely grateful for Jack asking for my side! It is classy and
how it should be done!

Anyone
wanting more clarity, please contact me. chasekloetzke@yahoo.comI
also want to thank ALL of the support and people forwarding me the
information and standing by me if needed. We are MUFON!!!!!!!!

MUFON Director of Communications Roger Marsh Jan. 19 email in full:

Tough
to comment on something like that. Mr. Leech is basically a nice guy
and a hard worker - we worked together last year on the Cases of
Interest project and he was a brilliant contributor. He is making
accusations without complete pictures I guess. I was never missing
from MUFON in December - everyone knew I was out with the flu for
three weeks. The January Journal was (as it is every year) -
completed early so we can take some down time for the holidays.
Returning on January 10, I then updated staff January 11 on the
February and March Journals that were in progress. I was never
involved in "holding up" MUFON for funds. There were no
multiple year-end bonuses. For quite a few years now, everyone knows,
I do not travel alone, due to health issues. The recent Symposium was
very close to me and it was great to meet-up with my colleagues I
only know via email and telephone. I requested bringing along an
assistant due to my health, and it was graciously granted. All MUFON
cases that make it into a network television show have MUFON credit -
always. I am hired as an outside consultant (content producer) to
work on the television projects, but in any scenario, MUFON would
make the largest piece of the pie. If I am contributing to a show, I
would be paid directly from the production company - a normal and
professional process. All MUFON assets going in any direction must
meet the standards and approvals from headquarters. All current
relationships with networks are approved and monitored closely by
Headquarters with weekly updates. I do give MUFON some volunteer
hours; and have a relationship with a recent book project too. I
complete all of my work from a home office because I care for my wife
full-time as well - very close to a hospice situation at this point
after a long series of multiple strokes. All the best wishes for Mr.
Leech - but his facts are not correct. Anyone who knows me
personally,knows I would not behave in that manner nor conduct
business in that manner. Thank you.

Former PA MUFON State Director John Ventre Jan. 19 email in full:

I
turned the 501c3 over to Fred Saluga in 2017 and now John Doucette
from what I understand. I have never had a lab in my house;
especially not a meth lab. I have an old copy of the c3 and don’t
see where that is indicated anywhere. I never received any
compensation from MufonPa as their Director and certainly spent a lot
of my own money in this field. MufonPa donated to HQ 10% of
conference proceeds per their guidelines for using their name and I
donated my own money the same as I did for numerous other
non-profits. I was a Tocqueville Society member for United Way at the
time. Frankly, every time my name comes up with these gullible far
left delusional groupies I get criticized. If you follow me, you will
know that I have critiqued the alien abduction since 2014, proved the
Kecksburg crash near my home was a U.S. spy satellite and I recently
offered a $30k reward for medically accepted proof of aliens with no
takers and exited the field. I enjoy the entertainment value of the
field which was why I entered it to write my novels. I like the new
Project Blue Book show but there is zero scientifically recognized
proof of aliens and I agree with Creation Ministries and it’s Alien
Intrusionmovie.
Too bad I couldn’t get into that movie with Joe Jordon. I am really
trying to sever my ties with this field as I am, as always, heavily
involved in my community and UFOs hurt my credibility.

Jack has done more for the ufo community than Steinberg ever has. Gene would rather cozy up and get in bed with MUFON than dig under the covers. He’s still living in the 50s with Supergirl and Small Reprieve.

The sight I just bought tickets for the 2019 Philadelphia conference on Lists John Ventre as State Director. I personally like Ventre and have no problem with him. His personal opinions that he posts on his personal Facebook or Twitter are not MUFON's business. I thought we still lived in a country where individuals are afforded freedom of speech.

Great work, Jack. MUFON's cosplay performers have been at it from the beginning. Their current leadership, including the despicable people you contacted for this story are inept, ineffective, and ridiculous. MUFON (like all UFO investigation) has produced exactly nothing in 70 years that indicates anything other than prosaic causes for the UFO mythology.

All UFO believers (and their tawdry low rent sci-fi beliefs) have done for the world is help make conspiracy thinking part of everyday life such that now we live in a world where assertions are of equal importance as evidence for many. UFO belief makes the world a worse place to live.

And don't make the mistake of believing that those who leave MUFON to form their own organizations are any better. The recently formed "Scientific" Coalition for UFOlogy is about to open their own echo chamber convention (no skeptics, no dissent, no questions). A small group of us (and other researchers) looked at their flagship case (the Aquadilla thermal video) and found plenty of reason to suspect that the video was completely prosaic. But the SCU hides from discussion of that case, their heads deep in the sand, too frightened to defend their positions.

The people usually associated with UFO "research" are indeed more likely than not to be sham artists, but for those of us personally and directly impacted by experiences with UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS, the topic is legitimate.

I hear you and I can see why you feel that way. But, I disagree with your assertion overall. A good part of the problem is how the ETH has completely displaced all other talk on the subject, and the idea that any unidentified light at night is now somehow an "alien vessel." Pure Nonsense.

But, there is still some merit to be digested...particularly for the fields of psychology and sociology.

The intelligence connection to the UFO phenomena is also very real and needs to be explored more. The Alphabet agencies don't spend their time and money on stories of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. Yet, they seem to have spent a good amount of time trying to convince a segment of the population of the "little green men". Why?

Although it is important to know the inside truth, the outside truth has been more than enough for me. From our local MUFON group, with regular appearances by JoAnn ("Captain" Mark) Richards and warnings from Zeta Elder EBE-3, to the speakers associated at MUFON nationals symposiums over the past several years, the "Scientific Study of UFOs for the Benefit of Humanity" has been replaced with Hanger 1-type of sensationalism and the fringe.

When was the last time that MUFON discussed the scientific understanding of hypnotic regression or the application of scientific methods and peer review to the investigation of the phenomenon. When has MUFON invited skeptical review?

Maybe I missed appearances by people like Dr. Susan Clancy ("Abducted") or Mr. Brewer. Perhaps I missed the inside discussions about how to apply scientific principles. But the outside record makes the current state of MUFON rather clear.

"When was the last time that MUFON discussed the scientific understanding of hypnotic regression or the application of scientific methods and peer review to the investigation of the phenomenon. When has MUFON invited skeptical review?"

The impression I get is the organization seems to be very top-down in its management style. The higher-ups make the calls and these filter through the ranks. I've read several accounts now from mid-and-low level investigators who have become sick at the organization for the sensationalism it seems to encourage.

Frankly, it would be disheartening to be doing sincere work for something they believe in and then watch it funnel into white-wash.

Let's face it, MUFON has never been known as an operation that is based on science. We've studied the FI's across the country and they're basically ignorant on the subject. To think the are a research organization is absurd. Just ask them at any conference...after 4 decades of mufon "research " what have they discovered? All you hear is crickets. This s organization just perpetuates the alien myth while upper echelon folks enjoy all the benefits

Mufon Media IS a real term as it says that on one of Phil's Mufon Id's. The comment about it not existing was simply a lie and could easily been figured out that he was talking about Mufon in the media. Other tall tales were told to make sure she was placed on each show while denigrating past Mufon productions.

“The IMPLANT.Chase’s own reply: “No. It was never turned over to TTSA or AATIP but it was Lue Elizondo with the production company from A&E that picked it up for transport. The ownership and analysis remained in the name of MUFON, in fact A.D.A.M. TTSA nor AATIP know nothing of the details of the implant and are NOT briefed on any results. The results and full report will be released by the original lead investigators in Oklahoma and the Special Assignment Team.”After 50 years of searching for the truth why would you or anyone else turn over the one piece of evidence that could prove this all to a Production Company. Again, am I missing something. Your own words state you were trying to find a Lab to do research on the Implant. You thought giving it to a Production company was a good choice (do they have a credited lab at their beckon call). Was this choice the best you could do to get something into the proper accredited hands. As Director of Investigations this by far shows incompetence and should be addressed in detail by the Executive Director along with the MUFON Board of Directors.”

Once again the fingers of the alphabet agencies reach into the honeypot. I know some people can see this as evidence of covering up alien technology. But it just feels more like someone, somewhere wants their "creation" back. Quiet, under the radar, no fuss no muss...

Jack, thanks for yet another outstanding investigative piece. I'm 58 now. When I was 21, myself and 2 friends had an incredible, close sighting. 4 years ago I felt it was finally time to talk about it. So I went to MUFON's website & filled out a report. A FI called me about 2 weeks later. She had a rather diffident attitude as she asked me questions off of her script. I didn't curse or claim I saw a nun in space. I had all the facts for her, including the 2 other witnesses names, phone numbers, addresses & occupations. As she rushed through question after question, I got the distinct impression that she really didn't care about my experience. I eventually called my 2 friends & found out that she never contacted them. Nor did she call me back. This puzzled me until I recalled her asking if what I had seen were orbs. I said definitely not. This seemed to disappoint her as she inexplicably seemed hell bent for leather to categorize what I saw as an orb. The sighting occurred in N.E. Ohio on the banks of a reservoir. I waited 33 years to report this out of fear of damaging my career. You can imagine my disappointment.

In my experience, the dynamics you described are extremely (and unfortunately) quite common. So-called investigators frequently seek to confirm their pre-existing beliefs, often at the expense of objectivity. What's more, it encourages witnesses to accept the narrative in order to have more support, more opportunities to discuss the situation with others, and so on.

In contrast, it isolates those who do not embrace the investigator's preferred narrative. There are many detrimental consequences.

Problem with MUFON is that the likes of Darren Perks (MoD employee), Nick Pope (MoD employee) etc etc are deep within MUFON creating havoc. Perks and Pope clearly work for the British MoD in a capacity that's well kept from public eye. Perks was a public UFO figure, albeit he used it as a cover to gain some substantial information on the UFO community etc. Pope is a media puppet for the MoD and in recent months both he and Perks have been seen at UK military bases 'working'. Wouldnt trust them two as far as one could throw them.As for MUFON well it's too late, they are riddled with CIA, NSA, MI6, MoD, you name it.

"Here’s how I see it: Empathy is the ability to respect and maybe even understand another’s point of view, revealing larger truths about ourselves and others. Exploitation is the use of another’s experience for personal gain. Empathy requires self-awareness. Exploitation is marked by self-interest. Empathy is about deepening connections. Exploitation, about filling one’s pockets, literal or figurative."